In this thread we will be posting notes to send to Linda since it appears that it is going to be a long hospitalization. Every so often I hope to send them to her daughter to print out and give to her to read. We just want her to know that we are thinking of her

Gizmo

08-14-2011, 07:27 PM

Linda,
Even though I barely "know" you, you have become important to me. Your incredible drive to improve your muscle tone, even as things were going the wrong direction, is inspiring. I love your sense of humor - even when you are angry you make me laugh. I hope so much that the doctors are able to figure out what is making you so ill, and get you back on your feet and into our cyber "arms."

It would be great if we could each take turns bringing you good food to fatten you up, so you don't have to eat pudding and protein drinks. I would bring you a chicken enchiladas with green chili (bet you've never eaten that before - it's addictive) and People magazine because it my guilty pleasure for getting through doctor appointments. I think I would bring our new puppy, too, to lick your toes and make sure your reflexes are intact. So... imagine that you are full of Mexican food, have a seen all the latest dresses from the red carpet and have very clean toes!

You are missed around here and we are all looking forward to the next update about your condition. A few funny hospital stories would help pass the time, too (grin). Hugs!

steve.b

08-15-2011, 12:02 AM

another joke from my grade 6er.

why did the monkey fall out of the tree?

it was dead.

why did the second monkey fall out of the tree?

it was stapled to the first one.

why did the third monkey fall out of the tree?

monkey see .... monkey do !

i miss you not being here.
all my love
fron your big whl brother.

Nonna

08-15-2011, 12:42 AM

Linda,
Miss you
Love you
Like you

Kidding aside, the nights and early mornings went I can't sleep; have always been helped by you and the rest of the Australians. I relate to you because I come from s family where teaching is the main occupation. I'm one of the few who doesn't teach. Anyway, I do love chatting with you. Don't give up and come back soon.

Cause we miss you
Cause we love you
Cause we like you

Toni

red246

08-15-2011, 04:49 AM

Linda,
Even though we haven't "met", you are one of my dearest friends! Keep doing what the nasty old doctors tell you to! Sending lots of (((HUGS)))) and prayers your way!
Love & Miss Ya!

bunny28

08-15-2011, 06:00 AM

Linda - I just want to say hello. I am not online all the time but as a fellow teacher, we connected several times. Hoping today is a good day and that you feel the wishes for good health and happiness that are being sent to you from all around the world. Take care, Bunny.

rob

08-15-2011, 12:30 PM

Hi Linda,

You have made an unforgettable impression on people here, and your positive contributions to our group, to the people here, are too numerous to count.

I look forward to the day that you return, and I hope that day is soon.

We miss you very much.

Rob

abbasgirl

08-15-2011, 02:36 PM

Hi Linda. You don't know me. I missed out on meeting you but I look forward to your return. Sending you good wishes and a speedy recovery!

*hugs*
Leslie

lovedbyHim

08-15-2011, 04:15 PM

Hello my Linda from Australia! How I miss you! I'm sorry things are a mess right now for you. I wish I could have just the right words to say to make you smile. God bring you home soon and take perfect care of you in the hospital.

I'm going away for the weekend so I will have no internet service. Hang in there dear and bloom where you are planted(hugs). Tammy

magistramarla

08-15-2011, 08:26 PM

Linda,
You are one of my favorite people here in the WHL family. As another teacher, I "get" you and all that you have been trying to do.
I'm so glad that you are being helped.
Hang in there, take care of yourself and get well (or at least as well as a lupie can get).
Lots of Love and Lots of Hugs,
Marla

Nonna

08-16-2011, 03:22 AM

Hi Linda, me again, woke up early early and you weren't there; no one I knew was here. We miss you, please tell them to make you better soon. We miss our Linda.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Me

What does a Moo Cow say?
MMMOOO very loudly in your ear

Compliments of my 13 year old granddaughter who is an honors student. Go figure!

Hugs and good thoughts
Nonna Toni

Angel Oliver

08-16-2011, 05:39 AM

Gday Linda,

Wish you had a laptop in hospital so you can read these now. Sorry you are in hospital but hope they are helping you get better and being nice to you.Ive been offline lately due to lots of things bla bla bla. You are missed here and loved allot.So get well soon and come back here n tell us how you are.

Lots of love your Home n Away fan lol
Amanda.xxxxx

Angel Oliver

08-16-2011, 05:47 AM

Linda,

Im so happy...hahahahahahaa they found a brain.....i bet you were relieved......hahahaha thats the thing i always say....funny.xxxxx

kim,l

08-16-2011, 06:38 AM

dear linda miss you terribly love our chats my friend hope things get better for you soon would love to be there to hug you in person but here is many hugs from across the other side of australia luv kim l

Nat

08-16-2011, 06:44 AM

Hi Linda,
So sorry to hear that you aren't well at the moment. I really hope the doctors can help you get better. Also hoping you're in one of our better Perth hospitals and you have good people taking care of you.
Hope to see you back here soon. Please take care. Nat xo

tgal

08-18-2011, 09:07 AM

I woke up this morning was thinking of you. I am so glad that you took the steps you took so you could get better. I know things are tough right now but you are on the the way to answers which means that you are one step better to going home (both homes. Your physical home and your cyber home). Love ya my friend.

4251

Tammy2011

08-18-2011, 01:46 PM

hi linda just wishing you a speedy recovery so you can be out of the hospital , strong and up and around soon ..

Nonna

08-18-2011, 05:31 PM

Hugs and good thoughts and healing ones also

steve.b

08-18-2011, 07:14 PM

hi sis,

as you have taught me......
one day at a time.
you will get through this.

Linda From Australia

08-19-2011, 09:41 PM

HEY GUYS .. thanks so much for all the notes, you really know how to lift me up. I have been in hospital for 12 days so far, since last Tuesday August 9. Don't be too excited though, I only escaped from hospital for a few hours, and then they are going to lock me up again - for how long ??????

I have had so many tests, and I don't know where to begin.

Weight loss: When I got to hospital they said that i was malnourished and put me on ensure plus. I managed to put on just over one and a half kg in a week. Then I was put on sustagen, and I maitained that weight. However, I have now started to loose weight again. My nausea is a bit better, but I still feel sick most of the time. Probably one of the problems is that I try to eat everythng because I am so scared of loosing more weight. The dietition said that I can eat less if I want because she doesn't want me to feel any worse than what I am feeling. She is coming to see me again on Monday.

Muscles: The physio comes in every couple of days and she has put me on crutches. She doesn't want me to do any exercises because of the muscle fatigue I experience. I had a electrical muscle conduction test - OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! My arm had some weird electrical stuff going on, and the nurologist said he suspects that is the beginning of a neuomusclular disease. My other specialist and the neurologist is keeping a close eye on me. They look at me, with the look and say, there really isn't much we can do, except to support me. So, if they are right, that doesn't seem very good in the long run for me. I am having a muscle biopsy sometime next week. The surgeon is seeing me on Monday or Tuesday.

Brain: Well those of you who were wondering, apparently I have a brain after all, I have a MRI that proves it. There were some stuff on the MRI, but they said it was expected for my age. I asked the intern what that means, but she didn't really explain in to well to me. I think it just means I am getting old. Besides that, my family, friends and mum are still concerned because I say weird stuff, and I forget things easily, and forget people's names and names of things. This came on suddenly 3 or 4 weeks ago. Before then I was having some difficulty concentrating and thinking for a few weeks before my health started spiralling out of control, hence the hospitalisation. I have no idea what is happening, hopefully it is only temorary, I cannot imagine the rest of my life with these brain issues worsening. I thoght I was getting a bit better, but I am told - no I am not. Oh well, perhaps if no one tells me what I say, then I won't know, and what I don't know, won't bother me.

PET SCAN: I had one yesterday, I won't know the results until Tuesday, or whenever the doctors tell me. They are still convinced I have some sort of cancer. If I have, then it will be battle stations, HEY Rob, can I borrow some of your guns, I may have a big fight to fight.

The good thing about being sick and in hospital, I am reading HEAPS of novels. And being waited on hand and foot. It is nice to get out into the fresh air every now and then thought. I am in a good hospital, I have good medical insurance, but it is still costing me a fotune though. My specialists are the best in their field apparently. So I am well looked after. I don't know when I will have leave again, probably for a few hours next weekend. So I will check in again then.

Linda From Australia

08-19-2011, 09:51 PM

Oh I forgot to add something.

Sleep: What is that???? I wake up every hour, or sometimes a couple of times an hour. The doctors have been trying me on different sleeping tablets, but nothing is working. All up I haven't slept much for the past 3 or 4 months, that is probably why my brain is going crazy. Well I hope that is the reason. I use to sleep very well, but now???

tgal

08-19-2011, 09:55 PM

I am so glad to hear from you! I think you know how much you mean to me and I am SOOOO glad that you chose to spend a little of your free time with your cyber family here! Just let them do whatever they want to do until the can figure out what is wrong with you. Who knows, you might be better then all of us by the time this is all over! If you can't tell by the notes left here you are loved and missed by so many!

Take care of yourself and keep us posted!

rob

08-19-2011, 10:33 PM

PET SCAN: I had one yesterday, I won't know the results until Tuesday, or whenever the doctors tell me. They are still convinced I have some sort of cancer. If I have, then it will be battle stations, HEY Rob, can I borrow some of your guns, I may have a big fight to fight.

Linda,

It's great to hear from you.

The arsenal is at your disposal whenever you need it.

A big fight may be coming, but you are smart, tough, and you can handle whatever comes your way.

Rob

lovedbyHim

08-19-2011, 10:34 PM

Oh Linda how good it is to hear from you! Gosh it must be not being able to control anything. I never do well in that type of situation. I hope and pray the good docs will have an answer and a treatment for you soon. We are all missing you and rooting for you here.

red246

08-19-2011, 10:42 PM

Linda,
Glad to see they let you go for a little bit! Sorry I missed you in chat! Miss our "3 Musketeer" chats! (((HUGS)))

steve.b

08-20-2011, 12:28 AM

love you sis, fight hard

Nonna

08-20-2011, 01:10 AM

Ditto to what Steve just said. Dang but I'm sorry to have missed you. I fell asleep at the wrong time. Literally with my touch in my hand. I had to go looking for it just now.
Sound like they know what they are doing.
Fight hard we love you
Toni

Saysusie

08-20-2011, 01:21 AM

Linda; It was so good to hear from you and so glad that your spirits are still high. I am happy to hear that you are in a good hospital with competent specialists. Thank you for taking the time to keep us posted. I know that 2 weeks in a hospital can be trying, but I am hoping that it also gives you some answers and that your doctors help you to get on the road to recovery very soon...including gaining some of your weight back and no further deterioration in the brain department.
We all miss you terribly and wish you the very best..you are very important to us. Keep us posted :-)

Peace and Blessings
Namaste
Saysusie

tgal

08-20-2011, 08:39 AM

Linda,
Glad to see they let you go for a little bit! Sorry I missed you in chat! Miss our "3 Musketeer" chats! (((HUGS)))

dang red! Too bad she doesn't have internet! We could chat again like we did on their summer vacation! Those were wonderful. I expect those to start again soon. All the newbies could join in as well. Late evening (mornings for those on the other side of the world) are awesome chat times!

debbie-b

08-20-2011, 03:13 PM

Linda,

It is so good to hear from you.
I am sorry you are going through all this, but I am glad that you are in good hands, with good doctors.
Hopefully they can figure out what's going on soon and treat you accordingly.
Until you get a day pass again, my thoughts will be with you.
You know that we are all pulling for you. We miss you.

Debbie

lacey50

08-20-2011, 04:35 PM

Linda,
It was great to hear from you and to know what all is going on at this time. Soon they will figure this out and you will be back with us full-time. Continue to hang tough!!!
Lots of (((((((HUGS)))))

sharpiessave

08-21-2011, 07:03 PM

Linda from Australia, give 'em hell. I've often bragged about my extra weight, and I'm quite attatched to it, but I swear, Linda from Australia, I'd give up the awesome pounds (kilos?) to you in a second. If it were possible, I'd be the Oprah of weight-giving, and I wouldn't make you pay the taxes.

Oluwa

08-21-2011, 07:56 PM

Hi Linda..lifting you up in prayer. Be well and keep well. Love, O...Hugs.

kim,l

08-22-2011, 03:55 PM

dear linda take care my friend thinking of you and many hugs

Nonna

08-23-2011, 06:13 PM

Hi Linda, thinking about you; sending good thoughts and hugs your way

Linda From Australia

08-28-2011, 09:12 PM

G'day people ... I'm out of hospital ... nearly 3 weeks later.

The EMG (muscle conduction test) showed that there was some abnormal activity in my arm, which they suspect will progress. So they are keeping a close eye on me to see how fast it will progress. Not a very good outcome, but I will do the best I can to do slow the progress down.

I had two muscle biopsies ........... right upper arm - 4cm.... left thigh - 10cm
I was put under a general, where they had to go in very deep to take some muscle out. Apparently there was a lot of bleeding. My arm is BLACK ... and I cannot use my thigh muscle. The doctors said that it will take me a lot longer to get over this because of my initial muscle weakness, pain, and declining health. I cannot walk without crutches, and I cannot walk without any supervision. My knee swells up big time quickly which limits me. Besides, the physios don't want my muscles to fatigue at all.

I have to wait 3 weeks for the test results to be completed. They are doing thorough testing at another hospital. I have been sent home with ensure plus (nutrition drinks for people that are malnourished). and heaps of pain killers. The pain killers are allowing me to sleep only slightly better, which was better than sleeping pills that did nothing at all. The good thing is that I am having some dreams now, which means at least I am having a bit deeper sleep (I think anyway). Oh and they didn't find any cancers, but they still don't know why I am loosing so much weight.

I am in a lot of pain at the moment, on heaps of pain killers, so also very tired as well. I will try to pop into WHl every now and then, but I cannot walk around very much because of the pain, and besides, I get into trouble for not resting enough. I will keep you updated with what is happening with me, which at the moment, isn't very much. I really hope you are are doing very well.

magistramarla

08-28-2011, 10:14 PM

Hi Linda,
I'm so glad to see you here and that you are out of the hospital. Keep drinking that Ensure and resting so that you don't get into any more trouble.
I've had a muscle biopsy, but just in the arm. They did mine with a local and I got to watch the whole thing. My students loved the scar. They wanted me to scare the freshman that fall by telling them that I had gotten it while breaking up a knife fight in the cafeteria. My school was that tough!
When they did mine, they thought that I had spinocerebellar ataxia, but it turned out to be negative. They also did genetic testing - have they suggested that for you?
I can't wait to hear what they think you might have. Keep us informed.
Take care of yourself.
Lots of Gentle Hugs,
Marla

steve.b

08-28-2011, 11:04 PM

hugs, sis.
glad you are home.

giggle

08-29-2011, 03:19 AM

Linda! I haven't been on here much or talked much cause its hard but i have been wondering how you are going and worrying about you!! I am glad to hear that although not everything is peachy, you are getting what sounds like some good help. My heart just sinks to hear what is going on with you and I am eager to hear you get a diagnosis soon with some hope of some definitive and helpful treatment!!
I cant believe how quickly your condition has progressed, I am just happy to hear from you. Just wanted to let you know that although Im not on here much, still thinking and praying for you <3

rob

08-29-2011, 07:18 AM

Hi Linda,

It's great to hear from you, and I'm very glad you are finally out of the hospital. I know it's been an extremely rough road for you.

They found no cancer, well, that's some significant good news to hang onto. That's one big thing you need not worry about.

I noticed the last time I was really under the weather with a TN flare, that I didn't dream for quite some time. It was very noticable when I did start dreaming again, as I was indeed getting some much needed deep sleep once again.

I wanted to tell you that I got my nephew hooked on Vegemite. He's in the Army. He deployed to his new post in the Middle East a couple of months ago, and I sent him a care package with half a dozen bottles, and now the guys on his team love the stuff too. He and his team are Army Special Forces, roughly the U.S. equivalent of your Australian SAS, and they are Vegemite junkies now thanks to you! I thought you might get a little chuckle out of that.

I'm glad you are finally home,

Rob

Gizmo

08-29-2011, 08:08 AM

Linda, I'm glad you finally "got sprung" (do they say that in Australia?). I agree with Rob that no cancer is good news, but still not knowing what is knocking you out must be so discouraging. I'm thinking about you and look forward to your next post. Maybe someone will get you WiFi and a laptop so you can visit us more often.

tgal

08-29-2011, 11:06 AM

I am SOOO glad you are home! I have missed you so much! take your meds and get to feeling better so we can return to our morning and evening chats!

Glad there is no cancer. That is something you didn't need to worry about. Please keep us posted on the results. Update when you can but DON'T do too much, please!
'

kim,l

08-29-2011, 03:19 PM

hi linda glad you are out of hospital take it easy and rest my friend luv kim l

Linda From Australia

08-29-2011, 06:11 PM

Good morning people, nice to hear from you all again.

Rob: Vegemite = YUK ... I am glad you are educating yourself on the finer details of Australian culture. However, I prefer Promite.

Tgal: I would love to chat again soon, but at the moment I am in too much pain, even 5 days after my operation.

Marla: You said you had a mucle biopsy, was it a punch biopsy, or did they go into your muscle and cut it open like mine? My gosh, the pain is horrendous!

Would anyone know why my knee is blowing up? When I have been on my feet for a while, and the pain in my thigh (incision site is 10cm long) is really bad, my knee hurts bad and blows up. I don't get swollen joints with my Lupus, so it isn't a Lupus thing. Also when my knee blows up, my ankle hurts really bad as well.

Nonna

08-29-2011, 06:57 PM

Glad you're home, Glad there's no cancer
And a I've all I'm glad you're you

Hugs

debbie-b

08-30-2011, 01:28 PM

Hi Linda,

First of all, so glad there is no Cancer.
I hate that you have to go through all this crap and still not get an answer.
For now, all you can do is rest, try and eat, drink your Ensure and take it easy.
I hope you get this resolved soon.
Thinking of you.

Debbie

magistramarla

08-31-2011, 09:01 PM

Marla: You said you had a mucle biopsy, was it a punch biopsy, or did they go into your muscle and cut it open like mine? My gosh, the pain is horrendous!

.

Hi Linda,
Yes, they cut mine open like yours. I have a 1.5 inch scar on the inside of my left arm, just above where my arm folds. Since it was just on my arm, and not on a weight-bearing leg, I got off a lot easier than you did. I don't notice pain much - I've had five kids with NO meds at all - so it didn't bother me at all. I sort of freaked the two young docs out by watching every bit of the biopsy and even commenting on their stitching techniques. (I used to help put in stitches if a Mom tore a bit when I was midwifing)

Could your knee and ankle be swelling because the swelling from your incision is cutting off circulation in your leg? Just a thought.
I would think that this is a great excuse to prop your leg on a pillow, enjoy a good book, and be pampered until the incision heals.
Take good care of yourself!
Hugs,
Marla